35th Anniversary of National Safe Place Week

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TL; DR: Safe Place is a national program operated in Guilford County where any youth can walk into a building with a yellow sign on it and say, “I need help.” Within an hour a licensed and trained Youth Focus staff member is on site offering free help, shelter and advice. The Safe Place program is one of the only options for local youth who feel they have nowhere to turn that can connect youth with a continuum of services to take care of their immediate and future needs including emergency shelter, maternity housing, alternative schools and foster care.  We need your help publicizing this program so we can help more kids and enlist more Safe Place locations. 

If you’re a member of the media, we have a Program Director and youth who would love to speak with you!  You can check out a video of an amazing young lady we had the pleasure of serving here and email us to set up a time to talk more.

WHAT: 35th Anniversary of National Safe Place Week, March 17-23

WHO: Homeless and At Risk Kids (age 11-17) in Guildford County

WHERE: Free and immediate help at designated “safe” locations

Youth Focus, a Greensboro based non-profit dedicated to helping local youth, is celebrating National Safe Place Week March 17-23.

Safe Place consists of a national network of businesses and community locations, such as fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, public buses and libraries, which display the Safe Place sign in their windows. As youth enter the designated Safe Places and ask for help, trained staff members connect them to the appropriate youth shelter for assistance. The Safe Place program, operated locally by Youth Focus, partners with businesses and community organizations such as to provide immediate safety and support for local youth. Local Safe Place locations include multiple fire departments, YMCAs, libraries and government buildings, as well as community businesses like Proehlific Park, Friendly Center, Four Seasons Town Center, Celebration Station and the Greensboro Sportsplex.

It is estimated that more than one million youth run away from home each year due to abuse, neglect, family conflicts and other issues. The Safe Place program and Act Together is one of the only options for local youth who feel they have nowhere to turn.

“The Safe Place program helped more than 250 youth alone last year, and Act Together was able to provide emergency shelter to another 183.  These are local youth, children ages 11-17, with nowhere else to go.   Our network of Safe Place locations provides an invaluable service to these children and the community, and National Safe Place Week is about recognizing the importance of their contributions,” said Jennifer Ravenel Lewis, Executive Director of Youth Focus.


If you’re a member of the media, we have a Program Director and youth who would love to speak with you!  You can check out a video of an amazing young lady we had the pleasure of serving here and email us to set up a time to talk more.

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Stacy James, Board Member

1. What is your favorite thing about working with Youth Focus? I love the dedication and commitment of the staff that enables them to treat each youth serviced with care, respect, and dignity. 2. What is one thing you wish more people knew about Youth Focus? This is the ONLY organization of its kind within

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Melissa Greer, Board Member

1. How would you describe your job in a few words to a stranger?  I am a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little Realty. 2. What is your favorite thing about working with Youth Focus? Love the thought that what we do impacts children’s lives and gives them a chance for a better life.

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